Rocky III - Das Auge des Tigers

In Rocky’s story, everything is there for a reason. So when it comes to the third movie, I guess there’s a reason for Mr. T to be a second-class challenger doped up with some sort of a Himalayan mistletoe or something, and for Rocky to be doing the lamest training I’ve seen in his movies. At times, I was wondering whether Sly was serious with the trainings in front of the reporters, because it made for the lamest possible scene in the Rocky saga. Then I realized that Sly had to show Rocky’s arrogance and, in the end, he didn’t really do a bad thing. Just like when he returned Apollo Creed into Rocky’s life, because it started a beautiful male-male relationship that’s unparalleled in boxing movies. When I think about the positives and the negatives, I keep thinking… then again and again… I realize that the third movie isn’t all that bad. On the contrary. It has a significant impact on Rocky’s character development. (15.04.2018)

Sad departure from the series, at first glance I can only sigh sadly. The reason for its existence seems to be only obvious financial gain, as it is missing the heart and any other reason. Perhaps Ivan Drago's arrival three years later was one of the happiest decisions for Stallone's career. (18.03.2006)

The third entry is disproportionately more action-packed than the previous two, but there is no wonder about it, because it would have been hard to attract attention in any other way. Unfortunately, however, many icons have departed for eternal hunting grounds. The grayness and filth of the streets in poor neighborhoods have been replaced by a fancy house, plenty of colors, and well-ironed clothes. At times, it seems that even Rocky has undergone a brain operation and is no longer that unique dumb guy with a good heart. He dispenses wisdom wherever he goes and really does not look good in a perfect suit. The Hulk Hogan subplot is laughable, but Mr. T is an unbelievable machine. As a person, he is completely unrealistic – such a monster might not even exist in the real world – but as a charismatic antagonist he is very cool. The action is reliably solid, and the music is brilliant. Unnecessary, yet watchable sequel. (27.04.2007)

Eigentlich kann ich die Kritik, dass "es beim dritten Mal dasselbe ist“, ein wenig verstehen, weil Rocky so wie andere Serien eine beliebte Schablone wiederholt. Es wäre aber unfair zu übersehen, wie geschickt er die Schablone abwandelt. Der Hauptheld hat sich seit der letzten Folge verändert – dank der ständigen Siege ist er zu einem Promi geworden, er ist reich und hat sich niedergelassen. Er ist auch, ohne es zu wissen, ein wenig bequem geworden (und außerdem hat er gelernt, wie man Werbung macht). Es kommt also ein Schlag (eher eine Lawine von Schlägen) und er muss wieder kämpfen, das erwecken, was eingeschlafen ist, usw., Sie kennen es ja. Rocky ist ein typischer Held und die Zuschauer*innen drücken ihm so sehr die Daumen, bis sie weiß werden. Stallone hat wieder das geschrieben, gedreht und gespielt, was das Publikum sowie er selbst sehen wollten. Und es hat wieder geklappt. Zusätzlich hat er, wahrscheinlich um die Brutalität von Mr. T. zu entspannen, ins Drehbuch auch Humor eingegliedert (der Kampf mit Hulk Hogan ist sehr witzig und Burges Meredith und Burt Young sind auch lustig). Das Ende ist geradezu eine Ode an die Freundschaft. (03.01.2016)

So, now it's mostly about sports, with a lot of focus on what happens in the ring and how the match turns out. It's no longer as intense of a human drama as in the previous two movies, and the series rides on the fact that Rocky has become a beloved character and Stallone himself wanted to take advantage of that. Personally, I prefer him over Rambo, and that reflects in my assessment. These are simply the movies I grew up with. Furthermore, the new development in the relationship with Apollo Creed still touches me. (18.03.2014)

Rocky and his mild PTSD in action. It's pretty weak until Apollo comes on the scene (the "fight" with Hulk Hogan is absolutely dreadful), then when Rocky gets back into shape and the training sequences with the amazing music kick in, it's much better. This drop in quality after two almost perfect installments is redeemed, fortunately, by the iconic fourth. [60%] (27.11.2021)